“Let’s put this into perspective; he is doing another sport against one of the all-time greats and this is his debut as a boxer.

"I mean, it’s absolutely flabbergasting that this is going ahead. This would be like me trying to take on one of the best in the world at another ball sport, but I wouldn’t be in danger of getting laid out.”

O'Driscoll also said he admires the self-belief and confidence of McGregor, and is astounded at his self-promotional abilities.

"Mayweather is up against a master of the promotional art here", he said.

“You might not like what Conor is saying, but the way it is delivered, there is an intelligence to it.

“This is all part of what McGregor does and it is amazing to think that he has managed to procure a fight with the pound-for-pound greatest living boxer. It’s just incredible.

“They say he is in line to make $100m out of this and if he does, good luck to him.”